Bloomsbury Australia
Always excited when my ‘dealer’ comes good with more goodies to feed my addiction, which hasn’t waned one iota in over 25 years now. Thank you, Sonia!
Professor Dumbledore
Illustrated by Paula Escobar
February 2026
$17.99
| ISBN | 9781526685186 |
|---|---|
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Children’s Books |
You will have already seen the first three titles in this series [no really, you must have – if not, why on earth not?]. Now two more favourite characters are added to the list and I can’t wait to see more. We know that Dumbledore was far from perfect at various times in his life, but one thing remains clear – he was the complete antithesis of Voldemort, and he always had Harry’s safety and best interest, both physically and mentally, at heart. Now younger readers – or even older fans like myself – can re-visit the important aspects of Dumbledore’s essential character and nod approvingly, or chuckle with delight. It is another great foray into the backstory of the characters we love – some images reveal the fun that awaits you.
Luna Lovegood
Illustrated by Helen Brady
February 2026
$17.99
| ISBN | 9781526688682 |
|---|---|
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Children’s Books |
Since her first appearance, Luna has been one of my favourites. I love that she is so much her own person, despite the slings and arrows of her fellow Ravenclaws. And I always feel so sad for her being excluded by them (snotty beggars!) so Harry’s acceptance of her, reluctant though it may be at first, stands out as an indicator of his essentially good nature, and the fact that she becomes an equally adept adversary against the Dark Forces, says much about us not misjudging people because of their ‘quirkiness’ or differences.
Having lost her own mother gives Luna and Harry a shared bond and, while it is a shame her father is really not much help, she proves her own mettle under pressure at all times. And I absolutely adore that her rather dreamy and odd demeanour is punctuated by astute observations and an ability to detect the truth of a matter, and speak it [very like The Kid in that sense].
Needless to say, your Potterheads are going to lap these ones up as well, especially those younger readers who are not quite ready to read the heftier and darker books but still want to pursue the Hogwarts experience.
You know perfectly well without even asking it’s a 5 wand Lumos!🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄 rating from me for readers from about 7 years upwards.
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